Curtis Kruer is a seasoned professional in the field of fisheries, with a wealth of experience and knowledge that spans several years. His career has been marked by a deep involvement in various aspects of the fishery industry, including research, data collection, and report writing. Kruer's work has been instrumental in contributing to the understanding of fishery dynamics, as evidenced by his numerous reports and documents that have been used as reference materials in the field.

Debbie Carpe is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, having lived there since she was a child. She has a vivid memory of a significant event that occurred when she was around twelve years old, a phenomenon known as the red tide, which turned the sea red and caused a massive die-off of marine life. Carpe's recollection of the event is detailed, describing how the water looked and the impact on the fish, many of which were gasping for air at the surface. She took it upon herself to collect the struggling fish and bring them to a holding place at Coco Plum.

Debbie Harrison is a long-time resident of the Lower Keys in Florida, having lived there for fifteen years, with a brief hiatus when she returned to Michigan to care for her mother. She is a certified diver since 1983 and has spent a significant amount of time exploring the back country and diving on the reef. Harrison has held a variety of jobs, including grafting, hotel/motel work, and working on a lobster boat, which she considered more fun than work. She has also worked as a planner for the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust and another unidentified organization.

Grady Sullivan of Big Pine Key, Florida is a seasoned marine life collector and fisherman who has been a full-time resident of the Florida Keys for over two decades. His primary occupation involves collecting marine specimens for various purposes, including wholesale, retail, and for renowned marine life institutions such as SeaWorld and Miami Seaquarium. In addition to this, Sullivan also collects plants, mollusks, and live rocks for aquariums, showcasing a broad understanding and appreciation of marine life.

Joyce Newman is a resident of the Florida Keys with a rich personal history intertwined with the environmental and cultural fabric of the region. She was an environmentalist and recreational fisher at the time of the interview. She is a former public school teacher and a knowledgeable figure regarding the local ecology and the socio-economic dynamics of the area. Newman's tenure in the Florida Keys has allowed her to witness firsthand the evolution of the environment, giving her insights into the subtle and overt changes that have occurred over time.

Ray Bently of Big Pine Key, Florida, was a recreational fisher at the time of the interview. He is a figure with a rich history connected to Key West, Florida. His narrative is deeply intertwined with the region's evolution, particularly in the context of its fishing industry. Bently's experiences reflect a time when Key West underwent significant changes, both culturally and environmentally.

Narrator Ray Van Houten, of Big Pine Key, Florida, was a "Jack of all trades" and recreational fisher who lived aboard his boat. Born in the early 20th century, Van Houton witnessed the transformation of the Florida Keys from a remote string of islands to a bustling tourist destination. He grew up in a time when the Keys were largely undeveloped, and the economy was primarily driven by fishing and small-scale agriculture.